All Article Properties:
{
"access_control": false,
"status": "publish",
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "2745578",
"signature": "Article:2745578",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-02-conservation-world-mourns-loss-of-visionary-leader-sharon-haussmann/",
"shorturl": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2745578",
"slug": "conservation-world-mourns-loss-of-visionary-leader-sharon-haussmann",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 2,
"preview_limit": null,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"title": "Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann",
"firstPublished": "2025-06-02 21:28:49",
"lastUpdate": "2025-06-02 21:28:51",
"categories": [
{
"id": "29",
"name": "South Africa",
"signature": "Category:29",
"slug": "south-africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/south-africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
},
{
"id": "178318",
"name": "Our Burning Planet",
"signature": "Category:178318",
"slug": "our-burning-planet",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/our-burning-planet/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": false
}
],
"content_length": 2911,
"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep love of wildlife.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haussmann was more than a CEO – she was a connector, mentor and fierce protector of South Africa’s natural heritage. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2745467\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Presentation-84.jpg\" alt=\"sharon hausmann\" width=\"2002\" height=\"1043\" /> <em>Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation. (Photo: GKRPF)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for her wicked humour and capacity to inspire those around her, she led the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) through a pivotal period of transformation. With great skill, she united fragmented stakeholders, from private landowners to public institutions, forging partnerships in one of the country’s most contested conservation landscapes.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Sharon’s leadership acumen was evident in every engagement,” said SANParks Board Chairperson Pam Yako in a statement on Monday, 2 June 2025. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision-making.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Haussmann’s leadership, GKEPF became a key strategic partner of the Kruger National Park and SANParks. Her work helped build the foundation for Vision 2040, SANParks’ new agenda for inclusive, sustainable conservation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet her passion was always grounded in action. Whether darting rhinos, coordinating anti-poaching units or organising youth soccer tournaments in remote communities, Haussmann was hands-on. Her presence in Balule, where she lived, exemplified her commitment to living and working at the frontline of conservation challenges.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2745474 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Facebook-.jpg\" alt=\"sharon haussmann\" width=\"546\" height=\"686\" /> <em>Sharon Haussmann. (Photo: Facebook)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired,” said the GKEPF in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. “From relocating rhinos to mentoring young rangers, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She was especially devoted to rhinos and spotted hyenas – animals she defended with fervent conviction. But it was her people skills that made her irreplaceable. She had a rare ability to make others feel valued and empowered, never standing on ceremony, always leading from the front.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharon Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann and their son, Aden.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The GKEPF family expressed its heartbreak in a public statement, noting that “her presence, strength, and leadership will be sorely missed”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SANParks said in a media statement that it would “honour her memory by recommitting ourselves to the path she eloquently helped to forge – one of unity, innovation and unwavering dedication to the protection of our natural heritage”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her legacy, etched into the landscapes she fought to protect, will live on in every rhino rescued, every fence line patrolled and every young conservationist she inspired. </span><b>DM</b>",
"teaser": "Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "339",
"name": "Don Pinnock",
"image": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/DonPortrait2.jpg",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/author/donpinnock/",
"editorialName": "donpinnock",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "58323",
"name": "SanParks",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sanparks/",
"slug": "sanparks",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "SanParks",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "61225",
"name": "Don Pinnock",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/don-pinnock/",
"slug": "don-pinnock",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Don Pinnock",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "410676",
"name": "Pam Yako",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/pam-yako/",
"slug": "pam-yako",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Pam Yako",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "419619",
"name": "Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/greater-kruger-environmental-protection-foundation/",
"slug": "greater-kruger-environmental-protection-foundation",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "419622",
"name": "Sharon Haussmann",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/sharon-haussmann/",
"slug": "sharon-haussmann",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Sharon Haussmann",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "434713",
"name": "Balule",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/balule/",
"slug": "balule",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Balule",
"translations": null
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "116389",
"name": "Sharon Huissmann. (Photo: Facebook)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep love of wildlife.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haussmann was more than a CEO – she was a connector, mentor and fierce protector of South Africa’s natural heritage. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2745467\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2002\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2745467\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Presentation-84.jpg\" alt=\"sharon hausmann\" width=\"2002\" height=\"1043\" /> <em>Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation. (Photo: GKRPF)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for her wicked humour and capacity to inspire those around her, she led the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (GKEPF) through a pivotal period of transformation. With great skill, she united fragmented stakeholders, from private landowners to public institutions, forging partnerships in one of the country’s most contested conservation landscapes.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Sharon’s leadership acumen was evident in every engagement,” said SANParks Board Chairperson Pam Yako in a statement on Monday, 2 June 2025. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Her clarity of thought, strategic foresight and deep understanding of the complexities of conservation partnerships consistently elevated the quality of dialogue and decision-making.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Haussmann’s leadership, GKEPF became a key strategic partner of the Kruger National Park and SANParks. Her work helped build the foundation for Vision 2040, SANParks’ new agenda for inclusive, sustainable conservation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet her passion was always grounded in action. Whether darting rhinos, coordinating anti-poaching units or organising youth soccer tournaments in remote communities, Haussmann was hands-on. Her presence in Balule, where she lived, exemplified her commitment to living and working at the frontline of conservation challenges.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2745474\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"546\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2745474 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Facebook-.jpg\" alt=\"sharon haussmann\" width=\"546\" height=\"686\" /> <em>Sharon Haussmann. (Photo: Facebook)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“She influenced, connected, persuaded and inspired,” said the GKEPF in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. “From relocating rhinos to mentoring young rangers, Sharon approached every task with courage and enthusiasm.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She was especially devoted to rhinos and spotted hyenas – animals she defended with fervent conviction. But it was her people skills that made her irreplaceable. She had a rare ability to make others feel valued and empowered, never standing on ceremony, always leading from the front.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharon Haussmann is survived by her husband, Robin Haussmann and their son, Aden.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The GKEPF family expressed its heartbreak in a public statement, noting that “her presence, strength, and leadership will be sorely missed”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SANParks said in a media statement that it would “honour her memory by recommitting ourselves to the path she eloquently helped to forge – one of unity, innovation and unwavering dedication to the protection of our natural heritage”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her legacy, etched into the landscapes she fought to protect, will live on in every rhino rescued, every fence line patrolled and every young conservationist she inspired. </span><b>DM</b>",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/8bZNjF7SxcgeRTP9jBFuoMmdlzs=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/AYMav2nlqtXn6Je-gU6bwzuVja0=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/2aoBZvzIianlMUjrJznzIUPquQk=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/UV0bwk4U94IjwSROhlS-sSZHDJE=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/zJpaegXKEEnVXIOmxfWvXu5KTN4=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/8bZNjF7SxcgeRTP9jBFuoMmdlzs=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"url_medium": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/AYMav2nlqtXn6Je-gU6bwzuVja0=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"url_large": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/2aoBZvzIianlMUjrJznzIUPquQk=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"url_xl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/UV0bwk4U94IjwSROhlS-sSZHDJE=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"url_xxl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/zJpaegXKEEnVXIOmxfWvXu5KTN4=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2.jpeg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, has died.",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": null,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann",
"search_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep",
"social_title": "Conservation world mourns loss of visionary leader Sharon Haussmann",
"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her death last weekend has sent ripples of grief across the conservation community, where she was widely admired for her relentless drive, strategic brilliance and deep",
"social_image": ""
},
"cached": true,
"access_allowed": true
} 
Sharon Haussmann, a trailblazer in the field of conservation and the CEO of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation. (Photo: GKRPF)
Sharon Haussmann. (Photo: Facebook)